Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Williams.
Hi Mia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. With so many trades and talents that I have I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. My career is in the healthcare field so I know I have a passion for helping people. I was at church one day and it was coming up at the end of the year my pastor asked his congregation to write at least 5 things we wanted to accomplish and too fast for the next several weeks.
So that’s exactly what I did my top goal was to be an entrepreneur, but what? I asked myself. My family always has family functions and I was the one who would either cook or decorate, but if I was hosting, I did both. I just love to be spontaneous and creative. I remember during the Father’s Day brunch we had my mom and sister saying that I should go into the decor or catering business, I looked at them like they were crazy. During my fasting season, I barely slept I tossed and turned and I was up at the weirdest hours of the night. Being a Christian and knowing when that happens means that God is speaking to you.
So, one night, I sat up in my bed and was scrolling through my phone and I came across an ad that I had been passing for days and it said how to be a successful decor/event planner. I was so scared my heart dropped in my stomach I placed my phone back on the dresser and went to sleep. The next morning it was heavy on my mind and in my prayers that’s when I accepted the assignment. My purpose for starting this business is to help others’ visions and ideas come true. Being a single mother, I struggle but of course, you don’t want your kid to see that. I didn’t always have it to give her huge parties or the most expensive clothes/shoes etc.
There are a lot of single women and men who are raising their children (multiple children) alone and when it comes to birthdays, graduations, proms, etc. They want the big stuff that they see their friends get but sometimes as a parent, you don’t have. That’s when Lily Lashay comes in. When you’re on a budget and can only afford what you can I make that happen. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to knock another person’s hustle but let’s stop and think back to when we didn’t have it or our parents didn’t have it, it was heartbreaking to take what they had and turn their basement, living room, porch, backyard into something special and turn around and see the priceless smiles that’s what makes me happy.
My job is done when I have turned your visions into reality!! It’s not always about the fancy things in life or how much money you have you can work with anything, especially, if your heart is in it for the right reason. I’m a firm believer that when you do right by others it will come back on you so if you know you can help somebody I’m not saying always take, take and take sometimes offer as well be a blessing every day when I pray, I ask God to allow me to be a blessing to someone else just as much as you bless me.
It can be hard and yes you have to make sacrifices but all things eventually come together. Since being an entrepreneur, my life has changed and it has taught me a lot. Managing my time, and money, networking, supporting other small business owners, and allowing myself to be open to seeking advice from other entrepreneurs as well. I can honestly say that I have grown up (lol) but in all seriousness to be able to walk into a store and not check my bank account before purchasing my merchandise feels good.
I am a Single mom of a teenage Daughter. She is actually apart of my business Lilly is myself and LaShay is my daughter. She’s my motivation and critic.. She doesn’t mind telling me how it is or how it should be, and I’m glad that she is able to work alongside me because it teaches her how to build her own empire in the future. As well as understanding that nothing falls in your lap or comes to you easily, you have to get out their and work hard for what you want in life.
When my daughter needs something, I don’t have to rob Peter to pay Paul and worry about what bill I can’t pay at the moment because I have to buy groceries it’s a wonderful feeling. I love being an entrepreneur it’s not always easy it can be challenging, and stressful some days and nights and some nights sleepless. I have faced many things since I said yes! But I keep pushing no matter what. I am finally enjoying life and understanding my assignment.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m going to have to say Yes and No… When you are in business for yourself your clients/customers count on you to do what they can’t. So, all the pressure is now on you, but it gives me that opportunity to explore and be creative and that’s the joy I get out of my business.
Then there have been situations where I had to brainstorm very quickly and have left setups beating myself up because I didn’t think it was my best work. Also negotiating, I had to realize that everyone isn’t efficient when it comes to time and saying exactly what they want so at that moment I had to think for them. Also, don’t be afraid to say no it’s okay!
Even during the growth process as a business owner, you have to always know your worth and accept what you can’t control and that all deals aren’t good deals, don’t be afraid to put your foot down.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been in healthcare for about 9 years now. I’ve worked with several doctors and specialists. My career is what has gotten me to my place of owning my own business. Patient care is the best care especially when they are ready to give up on themselves. When they walk into the doctor’s office in pain or worried about the test results maybe they’re not in the right state of mind.
So many things are swimming in their head. I’ve been told by my boss and several co-workers throughout my career years that my smile brightens up people’s day, so I use that sincerely to make patients comfortable and let them know whatever the outcome maybe they can get through it. My most proud moments are when they leave out better than when they came in or before I hang up the phone, I can make them laugh.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yes. I have 2 mentors that I check in with once a week. We go over what I have done vs what I’m about to do and how I can do better the next time around. I also check in with my financial advisor to make sure I’m not spending too much money and that I’m staying within the budget line.
I do encourage every entrepreneur to have an adviser/mentor who can help you along the way. We are still human and sometimes you get sidetracked with your life and we forget. So, to have them is great.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Lillylashyroseeventsllc
- Facebook: LillyRose
